USA Gymnastics bans coach for sexual misconduct with athlete

CHICAGO – USA Gymnastics says it has banned an Illinois coach after an investigation revealed he violated its code of ethical conduct by engaging in a sexual relationship with an athlete.

The Indianapolis-based organization says Todd Gardiner has been placed on its list of coaches permanently ineligible to coach in USA Gymnastics. Gardiner had worked with the Illinois Gymnastics Institute in Westmont, a suburb of Chicago.

Gardiner is not charged with any crimes, and USA Gymnastics released no details about when the alleged relationship occurred.

A message left at a phone number listed for a Todd Gardiner in suburban Chicago was not immediately returned.

The announcement follows the conviction of a former elite sports doctor associated with USA Gymnastics, Larry Nassar, on child porn and molestation charges. Nassar had also worked at Michigan State University.